Using search engines is a wonderful resource for
finding and learning new information. It
can, however, be quite overwhelming at times with the multitude of information
out there. Fortunately, there are also
many resources out there that will teach you how to search more effectively and
efficiently. In Danny Sullivan’s article
“Search Engine
Math” , he explains how we can use simple mathematics to improve our
searching skills. This activity has been
adapted from his article to give you tips on searching and practice to improve
your abilities. You can also read the
original article by clicking on the link above.
In this activity you will read the 5 tips Sullivan offers for searching
and the examples provided. You will also
practice these new tips as you go along in your own independent search using
your “Search Tips” worksheet.
1.
BE SPECIFIC
a.
Always be as specific as possible when you begin your
search. Entering ‘Edgar A. Poe’ in a
search engine will yield a
b.
Now, write down
the topic you will be searching for this activity at the top of your “Search
Tips” worksheet. Practice specifying
your search and record the different results it yields in the appropriate
column.
2.
USING THE + SYMBOL TO ADD
a.
Some times you
want to search for resources that contain ALL the words in your search in the
same document. You can do this by simply
adding the + symbol to your search. For
example, if you want to find information that contains references to both
Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner, you can enter: Hemingway + Faulkner
If
you want resources that also include F. Scott Fitzgerald, you can enter: Hemingway + Faulkner + Fitzgerald etc.
* This is a great way to limit your results when you are bombarded with
information and want to narrow your search.
b.
Now, try using
some addition in your own search. If
your original topic did not require multiple topics, simply add one for this
activity. Record your search results in
the appropriate column.
3.
USING THE – SYMBOL TO SUBTRACT
a.
While you can use
the + symbol to add, you can also use the – symbol to subtract. This helps when you want pages that include
one phrase, but not another. For
example, if you are searching for biographical information about F. Scott
Fitzgerald, but you don’t want information on The Great Gatsby try:
Fitzgerald –Gatsby
You can also leave out any other information by
subtracting more topics. For example you
can search for: Fitzgerald –Gatsby
–Zelda –
b.
Now try using
subtraction in your own search. Focus
your results and eliminate useless sources.
Record your results in the appropriate column.
4.
USING QUOTATION MARKS TO MULTIPLY
a.
You can multiply your
search by simply using a “phrase search”.
Enclose the specific phrase in quotations and your results will give
only documents that include the those exact words in
that exact order. When we searched for
themes in “The Cask of Amontillado” we entered the entire phrase. Results would include these terms anywhere in
the document. By entering the search
phrase: “themes in the cask of amontillado” we can really specify our results.
b.
Now try using
multiplication in your search. Use
quotations that will search for exact phrases.
Record your results in the appropriate column.
5.
COMBINING SYMBOLS
a.
Now that you
understand these skills, you can combine these symbols to create the most
effective and efficient searches. If you
want information about Edgar A. Poe, but you don’t need information on his
mysterious death… You can try using multiplication and subtraction: “Edgar A. Poe” –“mysterious death” Once you know the symbols you can combine
them in any way you need to yield the best results!
b.
Now try combing
symbols to improve your search. Be
creative and try as many possibilities as you need to get the results you’re
looking for. Record your results in the
final column.